THE LION KING To Open in South Africa in June 2007
By: BWW News Desk Aug. 30, 2006
The new production will feature a local South African cast, many of whom have been in other productions of THE LION KING around the world and are now coming home to perform in their native country. To date, THE LION KING has employed almost 100 native South Africans in its productions worldwide. Full casting will be announced later in the year. THE LION KING will perform in the Montecasino Theatre in northern Johannesburg, which is being built for this production.
THE LION KING will be presented by Lebo M and Pieter Toerien, in association with Disney Theatrical Productions, and will be supported by principal sponsor South Africa (SA) Telkom. The unique backgrounds of the producers, in partnership with SA Telkom, is hoped to result in broad-reaching efforts to ensure that THE LION KING will be experienced by a wide variety of South African audiences, as well as provide training for local stage technicians, crews, musicians and performers.
"We have always dreamed of producing our show in South Africa," said Mr. Schumacher. "The music, the culture, and the spirit of the country are an integral part of THE LION KING and opening this production brings us full circle. We wish to extend our warmest appreciation to Lebo M and Pieter Toerien for bringing this together for us in South Africa."
Since opening on Broadway in 1997, THE LION KING is the winner of over 70 major awards worldwide and has become a global phenomenon seen by over 34 million people. In addition to New York City, where the record-breaking show is soon entering its tenth year of sold out performances, THE LION KING can also be seen in London, Hamburg, Tokyo, Shanghai, two touring companies throughout the United States and upcoming in Seoul, South Korea.
THE LION KING follows the adventures of lion cub Simba as he struggles to accept the responsibilities of manhood and his future role as king. THE LION KING is the winner of six 1998 Tony® Awards including Best Musical, eight Drama Desk Awards, six Outer Critics Circle Awards, the New York Drama Critics Award for Best Musical, the Evening Standard Award for the Theatrical Event of the Year, two Olivier Awards, a Theatre World Award, the Astaire Award for Outstanding Choreography, two Drama League Awards and a GRAMMY® Award for Best Musical Show Album of 1998.
Director Julie Taymor became the first woman in Broadway history to win the Tony® Award for Best Director of a Musical. Taymor, along with Michael Curry, created hundreds of masks and puppets for the show. Choreography is by Garth Fagan, scenic design is by Richard Hudson, costume design is by Julie Taymor and lighting design is by Donald Holder. The book has been adapted by Roger Allers, who co-directed the animated film and Irene Mecchi, who co-wrote the screenplay. The score features Elton John and Tim Rice's music from the animated film along with three new songs by John and Rice, and additional musical material by Lebo M, Mark Mancina, Jay Rifkin, Julie Taymor and Hans Zimmer.
About The Walt Disney Company in South Africa:
Earlier this month, Disney Channel announced that it had signed a multi-year deal with MultiChoice to bring the leading kids TV brand, Disney Channel, to subscribers across South and sub-Saharan Africa starting September 2006. For the first time Disney Channel will be available to over 1.3 million MultiChoice DStv subscribers across the continent.
The Walt Disney Company, through its subsidiary and affiliated companies, has been active in South Africa for over 50 years and in a recent internal brand study was ranked the number one entertainment brand in the market. Disney is one of the leading international providers of television entertainment in South Africa including hit series such as"Desperate Housewives" as well as a broad range of other programming including animation, sitcoms, drama, reality TV shows and movies. Disney is the top international family film distributor in South Africa with 12 out of the top 20 animated releases of all time in the market and is the top video and DVD distributor. Disney works with local and international licensees to produce a wide range of branded merchandise for major retailers ranging from toys, home décor and books to interactive games, publishing and electronics.
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